Some dealerships just sell vehicles. There are other dealerships with a story that stretches back over a century — a story of family, of service, and of a relationship with General Motors that has endured through wartime, through industry transformation, and through four generations of one remarkable Canadian family. St. Marys Buick GMC is proud to be part of UpAuto and proud to carry a legacy that few dealerships in Canada can match. As the business grows, and more locations are added, one thing remains the same – a Carmichael is at the helm. Still.
Harry Carmichael: Where the Legacy Begins (1912–1941)
The Carmichael family’s connection to General Motors begins in 1912, when Harry Carmichael began his career at McKinnon Industries in St. Catharines, Ontario — one of General Motors’ most important Canadian suppliers. Over the decades that followed, Harry rose through the organization to become the head of General Motors of Canada, taking the helm in 1936. As the great cause in Europe continued to expand, Harry resigned his position at GM and took a position with the Federal Government working for C.D. Howe as a ‘Dollar – a – year man” for the Department of Munitions and Supply. There he rose through the ranks to eventually become the Canadian Chairman of the Joint United States Canada War Production Board. After the war, he was involved in the reconversion of industry to peacetime production and by the end of 1945 had left Ottawa. In 1948 he was named Chairman of the Industrial Defense Board by the Federal Government. For his efforts during the war, he was named by King George VI as a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George and he was also awarded the United States’ Medal of Freedom.
Jack Carmichael: City Buick Toronto — The First Generation of GM Dealers (1955)
In 1955, Jack Carmichael acquired City Buick in Toronto — establishing the Carmichaels as General Motors dealers and beginning what would become a multi-generational tradition of community-rooted automotive service. City Buick became a trusted name in the Toronto market, built on the same values Harry Carmichael had demonstrated at the highest levels of GM Canada.
John B.W. Carmichael: City Buick & Founding OMVIC (1993–2022)
John B.W. Carmichael acquired City Buick from his father Jack in 1993. Even before that transaction closed, John had already made his mark on Ontario’s automotive landscape: in 1992, he served as the Founding Chairman of OMVIC — the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council. This provincial body regulates all automotive dealers and salespeople in Ontario. John didn’t just participate in the creation of this institution — he chaired it. He helped write the rules that define how every legitimate GM dealer in Ontario operates today. For 20 years prior to this, John was a leader in supporting the national growth and expansion of City National Leasing, establishing offices across the country — including Calgary, Alberta, Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia.
Throughout his career, John consistently ascended to critical leadership roles both in and outside the industry. In 2011, John was elected as the Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, where he proudly represented his constituents for a term, alongside Prime Minster Stephen Harper. Following his time in Ottawa, John returned to OMVIC as its CEO and Registrar from 2016 to 2022, bringing a lifetime of front-line dealer experience to bear on the regulatory environment governing Ontario’s entire auto retail sector.
Michael Carmichael: City Buick to UpAuto (2009–Present)
Michael Carmichael acquired City Buick from his father, John in 2009 — becoming the fourth generation of his family to carry General Motors forward and the third generation to do so as a GM dealer. Under Michael’s leadership, that single dealership has grown into UpAuto Group: a multi-store automotive network spanning southwestern Ontario, with St. Marys Buick GMC and Ingersoll Chevrolet Buick GMC Corvette as their General Motors anchor points.
As President and CEO of UpAuto Group, Michael’s leadership is grounded in four values that have run through the Carmichael family for over a century: Respect, Honesty, Trust, and Teamwork. Under his direction, UpAuto has invested in digital retail innovation, continuous team and operational development, transparent pricing, and fixed operations excellence.
Why St. Marys Chooses St. Marys Buick GMC
When you purchase a vehicle or book a service appointment at St. Marys Buick GMC, you are working with a team whose owner’s family name has been synonymous with General Motors in Canada since 1912. That means accountability, long-term thinking, and a reputation on the line with every single interaction. We carry new Buick and GMC vehicles, certified pre-owned inventory, and offer competitive GM Financial financing. Our GM-certified technicians use genuine GM parts. We are proud to serve St. Marys, Tavistock, Embro, Thamesford, London, Stratford, Mitchell, and the surrounding Perth County communities.